ATKINS — A proposed merger of the Southwest Atkins Water Users Association with the city of Atkins Water Works could provide some Southwest users with as much as a 50 percent savings on their water bill.

However, for this to happen, a majority of Southwest members must vote for the merger at the association’s annual meeting in September.

Southwest Atkins Water Users Association President Alan Stubbs told The Courier if a merger is approved by a majority of the association’s 500 members, then the cost of water would fall for those customers when they become part of Atkins Water Works.

The plan could provide particular savings to poultry producers, he said.

“It is a win-win situation for everyone,” Stubbs said. “We can get water rates down for our customers, and Atkins would get more customers.”

Stubbs said an agreement is in place between Southwest and the city, but first, a majority of Southwest members must approve the merger at a Sept. 16 meeting.

Southwest’s system is in good shape so Atkins would inherit a well-working water system with few issues, Stubbs said.

Southwest will inform patrons of the pending vote via letters in the coming days.

The merger will not provide sewer or trash pickup services for Southwest patrons if they become Atkins Water Works customers, Stubbs said.